Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y., has implemented a new off-campus dining program that will enable students to use their ID card to enjoy nine restaurants in downtown Troy with participation from other merchants possible in the future.

The new community program builds off the Rensselaer Advantage Dollar program, a campus declining balance account using the Rensselaer ID card and coincides with the opening of a new student residential facility in downtown Troy.

“With the opening of the Howard N. Blitman, P.E. 50 Residence Commons in downtown Troy, we are increasing the mutually beneficial interaction between our students, faculty, and staff and the community that we call home,” said Rensselaer President Shirley Ann Jackson.

In addition to the select Troy businesses, RAD can also be used on campus at dining locations, the Houston Field House box office, and vending machines. There are no setup fees or recurring fees, and the balance rolls forward from year to year. Students do not need to carry personal cash, and they or their parents can add additional funds to the card online. The same is true for all Rensselaer faculty and staff.

This fall, the pilot program for Troy merchants will include only purchases at restaurants or cafés. The program could be expanded in coming semesters to include other types of merchants such as convenience stores, supermarkets, or retail businesses. Certain purchases, such as alcohol and tobacco, are prohibited on the card.